Birchbox UK April 2017 has landed and the air already feels a bit warmer and the sun brighter. As soon as I read Birchbox UK were collaborating with Boden for their April 2017 box I was super excited!

Despite never being a Boden customer (although I’ve wanted to, I need more cash please!), I thought this is a dream pairing. Watch my Birchbox UK April 2017 unboxing video below:

Birchbox UK April 2017

This month’s theme is ‘The Bold and the Beautiful‘ and just look how much LIFE this print brings to my blog! I’ve mentioned Birchbox teamed up with Boden this month, so it’s no real surprise Boden are behind the gorgeous floral design.

This same design will be one of Boden’s key prints for the upcoming season, which I think is a fantastic idea! Although it might be a bit too bold for me, thoughts?

Samples

I thought Birchbox and Boden are a dream pairing enough, until I discovered the fantastic samples packed inside! Below are the samples I received (2 of which are FULL SIZE!), click on the links to find out more details:

Oh my goodness me! (Something I kept saying in the video…) After being left a little disappointed after last month’s box, Birchbox UK April 2017 box has definitely pulled it all back!

I’m really pleased to receive the Nip + Fab Colour Correcting Concealer. I’ve never used a colour corrector before or any product from this brand.

I’m also happy to receive my choice of Manna Kadar product. I opted for the High Definition setting powder, over the bronze/highlight duo. Mostly because I am so intrigued by this product because I’ve never tried any form of high definition make-up! Unfortunately I couldn’t try this on in the video, so please comment below if you’re after an individual review.

Added Little Extras…

Being a lucky Birchbox UK subscriber I was offered a few added extras – bare with me, there’s quite a few!

First up, before the box even arrived I was offered the chance to buy a discounted Boden branded cardholder. When big brands team up with Birchbox I tend to take them up on these offers. This time I got my hands on the above cardholder for £8, down from £15.

As you can see, another extra for me is being treated to £10 off a Boden shop! Oh, I will be using this, there’s no question about it.

Finally, I’m yet to enter the monthly competition and it’s a good’un this month. If I snap a picture of my Birchbox on Instagram (and ensure I tag and hashtag all the right handles…), then I could win a £200 Boden voucher and £200 worth of beauty essentials from the Birchbox shop. Hell yeah, that’s a good comp!

Conclusion

WELL if you can’t tell I’m back on the Birchbox train and flying a flag of subscriber pride this month. I think this box has been a HUGE success, ticking off every box for design, samples and collaborator.

I’m not usually fussed over the added extras, but this month Birchbox and Boden have really gone all out. I appreciate that, long may it continue!

Subscribe to Birchbox and get £5 worth of Birchbox points to spend – click here!

FOLLOW ME:

I have not been paid by, sponsored by or asked by Birchbox to make this blog post or video in any way – I just do it for the love!

There’s a Smashbox best sellers kit that’s a serious bargain right now in Boots. It actually came out just before the holiday period, when I was supposed to be swanning around looking for Christmas presents.

I did a double take on the stand that was overflowing with Smashbox Best Sellers. The price caught me, a Smashbox make up kit worth £70 on offer for half price? It went straight into my basket, for myself, not for anyone else as a Christmas present!

I wanted to write this post and create a video because – can you believe it? – it’s now knocked down again to £23.33! But other than that, when some of these products standalone they’re excellent regardless and they deserve a bit of a spotlight.

So, watch my video for a quick tutorial and try-on look of the Smashbox products inside the kit, followed by my individual reviews!

Smashbox Best Sellers

I had only tried two Smashbox make up products before buying this kit, two of which are in this box. (Another reason why this offer hooked me!) Starting with…

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I’d recently ran out of a Smashbox Photo Finish Primer tester, so the fact this was in the box was an extra hook for me. Smashbox primers lap up good reviews and although this is the only one I’ve tried, I can see why.

This is the first primer I’ve noticed to visibly ‘smooth’ my skin after applying my base (which I hope you can see in the video). It’s blended well with a few of my different foundations too. I now really want to try the other Smashbox primers to see how they vary.

In my opinion, this is the best product in the box. And to be honest, I was looking to repurchase this Smashbox Photo Finish Primer anyway!

(This is actually half size in the box, not full size.)

Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner

Onto the next, the Smashbox eyeliner! Truth be told, it wasn’t the main draw for me in buying the Smashbox set, but I’m glad I’ve tried it. I typically use a liquid pen eyeliner, but since giving this a go I can see how it can create a different look.

I find pencil-like eyeliners to be hellish when applying, but the Smashbox Always Sharp Eyeliner was surprisingly smooth (unlike its name…) and glided on.

(This is full size in the box.)

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

The only other Smashbox product I had tried had been this; the Smashbox Full Exposure mascara. I’d tried this as another tester and I was immediately impressed, which is saying a lot for a tiny mascara tester.

As well as looking to purchase the Smashbox Photo Finish primer, this Smashbox mascara was also on my to-buy list too. I’m not usually a fan of mascara’s that fan and lengthens lashes. (Just down to my personal taste – give me volume!) But I really liked the effect of this particular one. I just hope I’ve given it justice in the video!

(This is full size in the box.)

Smashbox L.A. Lights Lip & Cheek Colour

The product name is a little confusing – it suggests this could be a lip and cheek tint. But it’s in fact more of a highlighter, with a very subtle gold glow.

I don’t currently have a gold highlighter in my collection so yep, there’s another reason why this Smashbox Best Sellers kit was a brilliant purchase! It is very light however, so I think I need more practice with it to test if it’s buildable, which I’m sure it is.

(This is full size in the box.)

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Get Fired

Finally, the cherry on top, the icing on the cake – the lipstick! On first thoughts, I thought this might be the wrong kind of red for me. But wow, was I wrong!

Despite leaning more on the blue side of hue, (I try to go more orangey hues because I think it suits my skin tone better…) this looks great! The application is super moisturising, without being slippery and the finish is almost gloss like. What a banger! I might have to look into more Smashbox lip colours now…

Catch up & watch

We’re nearly done and dusted with September – can you believe it? This month has gone so fast for me personally.

This could be down to the fact I started a new job on the first day of this month, which could explain why’s it’s whizzed past so quickly.

Anyway, watch my video below to see if this has affected my New Purchases Show & Tell this month!

Oasis Ditsy rib collar knit – 12 seconds inSo the answer is yes – me starting a new job has definitely influenced what I’ve been buying this month! I always knew Oasis existed, but never really ventured in until the other weekend. There’s so many collared knits and boho influenced clothes in there at the moment; I am totally sold. Really comfy too!

Boohoo Petite Melissa Floral Print Playsuit – 1:10 minutesI’m not always happy with what I’ve ordered from BooHoo, usually down to the quality. This playsuit however missed the returns package and for good reason! For only £15 it has a great floral print that could work both for summer and winter. It’s not the best fit, but for the price I can’t complain.

Adele – 25 – 1:55 minutes inAdele absolutely wiped the floor with my previous doubts about her headlining Glastonbury. She completely blew me away and so I just had to buy her latest album. There’s definitely a stronger feel compared to the heartbreak of 21, but still packed full of emotion. It actually brought tears to my eyes when first listening to it and I’m still belting it out in the car now. (Good job I don’t lift share.)

L. Erickson Grab & Go Pony – 3:18 minutes inI was a bit put out when receiving one, just one, of these hairbands in a Birchbox earlier this year. But since wearing it I soon realised it was a damn good hairband. They are a little pricey for what they are, but my hair doesn’t kink when I’m wearing them and they still have a strong hold. Worth investing in.

Huygens Exfoliating Cream – 3:54 minutes inIt’s hard to believe this exfoliating cream is exclusive to Birchbox. It wasn’t in the sale but I was planning on getting my hands on a full size version ever since my sample ran out anyway. This definitely deserves more attention.

Model’s Own Absinthe Nail Varnish – 4:15 minutes inAnother Birchbox sale find – I can’t believe how cheap this was! I had actually chosen the black colour over the green in a Birchbox, a long time ago now. I regretted not opting for this colour though and so when I caught sight of it in the sale for only 70p, or thereabouts, I nabbed it quick. What an absolute steal!

Boots Bamboo Tights – 4:59 minutes inCome autumn and winter, I am never without Boots’ Bamboo tights. I’ve never found a pair of tights so soft to wear, but still fitted and flattering at the same time. They are my tights of choice.

Another random month this month, but I hope you enjoyed it all the same. You can keep up to date with my blog by following me on any of the social links below.

Please also leave any recommendations you might have, based on what I’ve been buying – I’m always down for hearing people’s suggestions!

Emma x

I have not been asked, sponsored or paid to review any of these products. I just like to shop!

H E L L O 👋🏻

I'm Emma, I'm a Kent girl who's a year away from a new decade (my 30s!). I'm a homeowner along with my boyfriend and enjoy blogging about that, other lifestyle tidbits, travel and practical beauty. Welcome to my little corner of the internet!